Evaluation of Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Early Childhood Caries after Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.09.009

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the improvement in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and its influencing factors in children with early childhood caries (ECC) after comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia. Methods: A total of 80 children aged 3-6 years with ECC underwent one-time dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. The Chinese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) was used to assess OHRQoL before and 30 days after treatment. Changes in ECOHIS scores and their associations with gender, age, family income, and treatment type were analyzed. Results: The total ECOHIS score decreased significantly from 15.24±3.93 to 3.05±1.44 (P<0.001), with an effect size (ES) of 1.23. Greater improvements were observed in girls, children under 4 years, those from low-income families, and those who underwent tooth extraction (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified gender, age, family income, and tooth extraction as independent predictors of OHRQoL improvement (adjusted R²=0.412). Conclusion: Dental treatment under general anesthesia significantly improves OHRQoL in children with ECC, particularly in girls, younger children, those from low-income families, and those receiving tooth extraction.

Key words: early childhood caries, general anesthesia, oral health-related quality of life, dental treatment, ECOHIS scale

HUANG Yajun, TAO Lili, XING Xianghui, DUAN Limei, ZHAO Baojian. Evaluation of Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Children with Early Childhood Caries after Dental Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(9): 783-787.

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